Cost of living in Buenos Aires (Argentina) is 10% more expensive than in São Paulo (Brazil)
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WARNING! This comparison is based on only a few data points. At this point it is only a guess. It is based on 3,769 prices entered by 425 different people.

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Currency:
Food | + 40% | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Food in Buenos Aires (Argentina) is 40% more expensive than in São Paulo (Brazil) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Buenos Aires | São Paulo | Diff | ||
Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | ARS $21,382 (R$ 94) | R$ 49 | + 92% | |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | ARS $13,307 (R$ 59) | R$ 38 | + 54% | |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | ARS $5,192 (R$ 23) | R$ 13 | + 76% | |
1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | ARS $1,734 (R$ 8) | R$ 5.80 | + 32% | |
12 eggs, large | ARS $4,590 (R$ 20) | R$ 15 | + 33% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | ARS $2,370 (R$ 10) | R$ 10 | + 8% | |
500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | ARS $9,698 (R$ 43) | R$ 33 | + 31% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | ARS $2,657 (R$ 12) | R$ 14 | - 14% | |
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | ARS $1,062 (R$ 4.67) | R$ 8 | - 39% | |
0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | ARS $2,701 (R$ 12) | R$ 6 | + 85% | |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | ARS $8,351 (R$ 37) | R$ 52 | - 29% | |
2 liters of coca-cola | ARS $3,799 (R$ 17) | R$ 11 | + 59% | |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | ARS $681 (R$ 3.00) | R$ 4.94 | - 39% | |
Housing | - 17% | |||
Housing in Buenos Aires (Argentina) is 17% cheaper than in São Paulo (Brazil) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Buenos Aires | São Paulo | Diff | ||
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | ARS $1,139,100 (R$ 5,012) | R$ 6,271 | - 20% | |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | ARS $721,114 (R$ 3,173) | R$ 4,239 | - 25% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | ARS $90,302 (R$ 397) | R$ 669 | - 41% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | ARS $714,327 (R$ 3,143) | R$ 4,634 | - 32% | |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | ARS $529,545 (R$ 2,330) | R$ 2,820 | - 17% | |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | ARS $82,002 (R$ 361) | R$ 563 | - 36% | |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | ARS $23,196 (R$ 102) | R$ 89 | + 14% | |
40” flat screen tv | ARS $580,338 (R$ 2,554) | R$ 1,816 | + 41% | |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | ARS $299,259 (R$ 1,317) | R$ 697 | + 89% | |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | ARS $6,832 (R$ 30) | R$ 30 | + 2% | |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | ARS $7,418 (R$ 33) | R$ 24 | + 33% | |
Clothes | + 39% | |||
Clothes in Buenos Aires (Argentina) is 39% more expensive than in São Paulo (Brazil) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Buenos Aires | São Paulo | Diff | ||
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | ARS $130,347 (R$ 574) | R$ 290 | + 98% | |
1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | ARS $78,575 (R$ 346) | R$ 294 | + 18% | |
1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | ARS $144,960 (R$ 638) | R$ 552 | + 15% | |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | ARS $118,907 (R$ 523) | R$ 401 | + 30% | |
Transportation | - 15% | |||
Transportation in Buenos Aires (Argentina) is 15% cheaper than in São Paulo (Brazil) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Buenos Aires | São Paulo | Diff | ||
Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | ARS $32,935,900 (R$ 144,926) | R$ 127,508 | + 14% | |
1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | ARS $1,314 (R$ 5.78) | R$ 6.00 | - 4% | |
Monthly ticket public transport | ARS $45,176 (R$ 199) | R$ 292 | - 32% | |
Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | ARS $19,400 (R$ 85) | R$ 46 | + 87% | |
Personal Care | + 52% | |||
Personal Care in Buenos Aires (Argentina) is 52% more expensive than in São Paulo (Brazil) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Buenos Aires | São Paulo | Diff | ||
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | ARS $15,279 (R$ 67) | R$ 26 | + 161% | |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | ARS $38,328 (R$ 169) | R$ 49 | + 242% | |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | ARS $37,189 (R$ 164) | R$ 384 | - 57% | |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | ARS $12,320 (R$ 54) | R$ 23 | + 136% | |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | ARS $4,081 (R$ 18) | R$ 15 | + 20% | |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | ARS $7,454 (R$ 33) | R$ 23 | + 43% | |
4 rolls of toilet paper | ARS $4,217 (R$ 19) | R$ 8 | + 147% | |
Tube of toothpaste | ARS $3,745 (R$ 16) | R$ 7 | + 120% | |
Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | ARS $16,041 (R$ 71) | R$ 74 | - 4% | |
Entertainment | + 38% | |||
Entertainment in Buenos Aires (Argentina) is 38% more expensive than in São Paulo (Brazil) | ||||
Update prices | Update prices | |||
Buenos Aires | São Paulo | Diff | ||
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | ARS $40,516 (R$ 178) | R$ 141 | + 26% | |
2 tickets to the movies | ARS $28,100 (R$ 124) | R$ 77 | + 60% | |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | ARS $50,694 (R$ 223) | R$ 380 | - 41% | |
Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | ARS $58,836 (R$ 259) | R$ 301 | - 14% | |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | ARS $12,175 (R$ 54) | R$ 37 | + 43% | |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | ARS $5,193 (R$ 23) | R$ 18 | + 28% | |
1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | ARS $5,061 (R$ 22) | R$ 13 | + 73% | |
Ipad wi-fi 128gb | ARS $1,007,870 (R$ 4,435) | R$ 3,548 | + 25% | |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | ARS $683 (R$ 3.01) | R$ 1.67 | + 80% | |
1 month of gym membership in business district | ARS $41,768 (R$ 184) | R$ 152 | + 21% | |
1 package of marlboro cigarettes | ARS $4,746 (R$ 21) | R$ 13 | + 64% | |
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TOTAL | + 10% |

These prices were last updated on July 09, 2025.
Exchange rate:
0.00440
BRL
/
ARS
*
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For example, you would need at least R$ 21,977 (ARS $4,994,579) in Buenos Aires to maintain the same standard of living that you can have with R$ 20,000 in São Paulo.
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